The Trials Of Oscar Wilde

By Kelly Jackson | @kellyjackson88 | Press Invite

Once every generation, a character comes along that more or less changes the world. People will laugh when I say Kim Kardashian is that person for our generation, but you mark my words people will study her impact on society and culture for years to come.

During his time, Oscar Wilde was one such character. Unfortunately for Oscar, being homosexual was highly illegal in his time and publications like “The Picture of Dorian Gray” didn’t exactly help his case that he was a devoted and loving husband to his wife.

After the release of “The Importance of Being Earnest” the Father of Lord Alfred Douglas became incredibly disgruntled by Oscar’s relationship with his son. He left him a note at a private members club calling him a “sodomite” and all hell broke loose. In his wisdom, Oscar decided to sue. This probably became the worst decision he ever made. Not only was he forced to abandon the trial, he got arrested shortly after. At the time, the world just wasn’t ready for the sarcastic, flippant answers Oscar loved to provide.

Oscar Wilde is a big character to play. Let’s be honest, you don’t expect miracles do you? I’ve absolutely hated every film I’ve ever seen with someone playing him, and the film of Dorian Gray was rubbish too. But John Gorick was a breath of fresh air. His comedic timing had the audience laughing along at the most crucial time – a few seconds after the clever joke had sunk in. His mannerisms, tone, and ability to cast a withering look at the crowd just after he had delivered a particularly witty barb made him a pleasure to watch.

As the play went on, Gorick managed to portray Oscar’s slow realisation that the trial was not going his way with subtlety and confidence. As an audience, you could actually feel the despair as the main character realised not only was this a bad idea – but it could potentially get him in a lot of trouble.

As a lifelong Wilde fan, I’d highly recommend a trip to see this. It’s been a long time since I have seen anyone bring a character to life like John Gorick either on stage or screen.

This national tour of The Trials of Oscar Wilde will help to support the important work of the LGBT charity Stonewall in promoting equality.